Toyota, at least outside of the U.S., is on a bit of a mission to "Gazoo-ify" as many of its models as it possibly can. We are of course referring to Toyota’s in-house racing and tuning arm, Gazoo Racing or GR, the same folks who brought you the last 2 winners of the world’s most prestigious endurance race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
It seems that Toyota is keen on making Gazoo Racing sprinkle on a pinch of magic racing dust to turn some of its more quotidian vehicles into exciting offerings. Now we have word that the C-HR crossover is one such vehicle.
GReat Effort
Fresh from applying their racing expertise to benefit the Yaris and the Corolla, Auto Express reports that Gazoo Racing is targeting that unconventional and downright funky small SUV/crossover, the C-HR, for its transformational efforts. Not many concrete details are available about the upcoming hot 4-door, but it is rumored to be arriving by 2023. If true, the GR model will likely involve the next generation of the SUV which is due to be introduced in 2021.
Blown Three
The GR C-HR is said to use the same 1.5L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that GR/Toyota has employed in the performance versions of the aforementioned Corolla and Yaris models. The small but potent mill puts out a remarkable 268 hp in those applications, but may be detuned somewhat in this case.
The GR CH-R will still be using Toyota’s flexible and global TNGA platform. We expect a gaggle of performance upgrades for the crossover, such as firmer shocks and bushings, larger brakes and the de rigueur high performance alloys with larger tires as well as racing-inspired and performance upgrades for the interior.
Crossover Takeover
These applications should transform the clever but rather mundane crossover into a viable performance machine. The enthusiast in all of us applauds Toyota’s determination to breathe higher performance into more of their vehicles, and we hope and pray that at least some of the "GR" cars make it onto our shores.
Sources: Auto Express, Motor1